Too Bright to See

2021 middle grade novel by Kyle Lukoff

Too Bright to See

Author| Kyle Lukoff
Language| English
Genre|

* Children's literature
* Coming of age
* Ghost story

Publisher| Dial Books

Publication date

| April 20, 2021
Publication place| United States
Pages| 192
ISBN| 978-0-593-11115-4

Too Bright to See is a middle grade ghost novel written by Kyle Lukoff and published on April 20, 2021, by Dial Books. It tells the story of Bug, a transgender boy who lives in a haunted house, as he tries to understand a message a ghost is trying to send him.

Too Bright to See received starred reviews from several outlets, including Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal, who praised the author's take on gender identities and self-acceptance.

## Reception

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Kirkus Reviews noted the book's focus on a coming out story from "the perspective of a young person who does not initially know how to identify his discomfort."[1] They also commented on Lukoff's push against gender stereotypes, and called the book "[h]aunting and healing."[1] Publishers Weekly praised the author's "smart and thought-provoking use of the ghost story framework" to talk about the main character's experience as a transgender boy.[2] They concluded by saying "Lukoff provides a tender rumination on grief, love, and identity."[2]

Taylor Worley, who reviewed the book for the School Library Journal, called Lukoff's book "a deeply empathetic exploration of grief and gender identity," and noted that both the ghost story and the overall themes on gender and identity are well written.[3]

Too Bright to See was a Newbery Honor Book and a finalist for the National Book Award in the "Young people's literature" category.[4][5] The book was the recipient of the Stonewall Book Award in the "Children's and Young Adult" category, alongside Malinda Lo's Last Night at the Telegraph Club.[6]

## References

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1. ^ a b "Too Bright to See". Kirkus Reviews. Archived from the original on December 15, 2021. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
2. ^ a b "Children's Book Review: Too Bright to See by Kyle Lukoff". Publishers Weekly. Archived from the original on February 3, 2022. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
3. ^ Worley, Taylor. "Too Bright To See". School Library Journal. Archived from the original on March 3, 2022. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
4. ^ Golde, Rachelle (February 2, 2022). "At the library: Children's book awards recognize the best of the genre". Crow River Media. Archived from the original on February 16, 2022. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
5. ^ Pineda, Dorany (November 18, 2021). "Jason Mott, Tiya Miles among the winners of the 2021 National Book Awards". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
6. ^ Harris, Elizabeth A. (January 24, 2022). "Donna Barba Higuera Wins Newbery Medal for 'The Last Cuentista'". The New York Times. Archived from the original on January 31, 2022. Retrieved March 3, 2022.